Intestinal Illness Acquired From Animals
Animals are the source of several important intestinal pathogens, including E. coli O157:H7, Cryptosporidium parvum, Campylobacter, and Salmonella.
Frequently you get foodborne illnesses (E. coli O157:H7, Campylobacter, Salmonella) from food, and waterborne illnesses (Cryptosporidium) from water. But, you can also get any of these from direct contact with animals or other environments.
In recent years, intestinal disease associated with places where the public has contact with farm animals (e.g., petting zoos, state or county fairs, educational farms) has been identified with increasing frequency. Minnesota is no exception to this trend.
- Common Illnesses Associated with Animal Contact
Commonly recognized illnesses associated with animal contact.
- Preventing Illness Associated with Animal Contact
Basic illness prevention techniques can keep you and your family from becoming ill.
- Guidelines and Recommendations
Guidance, articles, and recommendations.
- Information for Health Care Professionals
Clinical and required reporting information.
- Information for Animal Venue Operators
Recommendations, consultation information, and free educational posters.
- Keeping Backyard Poultry
- Healthy Markets
Materials from our Healthy Markets informational campaign.
Spotlight
Reptiles and Amphibians: Salmonella
Some reptiles and amphibians can make cool pets, but they can also be a source of illness. Reptiles (e.g., Iguanas, turtles, snakes) and amphibians (e.g., frogs and toads) carry Salmonella.
Chicks and Ducklings: Salmonella
Those cute little chicks and ducklings can be a great attraction for children this time of year, but they can also be a source of illness.
Zoonotic Diseases: Disease Transmitted from Animals to Humans
A zoonosis (zoonotic disease or zoonoses -plural) is an infectious disease that is transmitted between species from animals to humans (or from humans to animals). Common illnesses associated with animal contact include Rabies, Brucellosis, Blastomycosis, and Plague.
Protect others if you are experiencing diarrhea!
Anyone with a diarrheal illness should avoid swimming in public pools or lakes, sharing baths with others, and preparing food for others.
Young children (children in diapers) that are experiencing diarrhea should not be allowed to go swimming or attend daycare.
If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.
